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A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 March 2024) | Viewed by 6933

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Rongzhu Liang

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Guest Editor

Faculty of Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: environmental effects of shield tunnel construction; shield tunnel protection and pile foundation

Dr. Cungang Lin

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

School of Civil Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
Interests: evaluation of environmental effects; interaction between soil and structures; pipeline responses to tunneling; prediction and prevention of urban surface collapse

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development and use of underground space in urban areas can effectively alleviate traffic pressure and improve living conditions. Underground space construction in dense urban areas, however, will cause adverse environmental effects which will threaten the safety and serviceability of adjacent facilities, such as metro stations, utility tunnels, pipelines, pile foundations, and buildings. Recently, new underground construction methods and monitoring technologies have been developed to alleviate the environmental impacts. Therefore, this Special Issue will present new theories, novel technologies, experimental tests, and special practices in the field of tunneling and underground space.

We are seeking research relevant to tunneling and underground space, including but not limited to: shield tunneling, deep excavation, pipe-jacking engineering, municipal pipeline engineering, and pile foundations. This Special Issue will publish high-quality, original research papers in the overlapping fields of:

New construction technologies of shield tunneling, pipe jacking, deep excavations, and other underground constructions;
Interactions between adjacent constructions and underground facilities (e.g., metro stations, shield tunnels, pile foundations, and pipelines);
Environmental effects of complex basement excavation, shield tunneling, pipe jacking, and other underground constructions;
Intelligent monitoring technologies during and after underground structure construction;
Protection and repair measures for underground facilities (e.g., shield tunnels, metro stations, pile foundations, pipelines, etc.)
Novel exploration methods for underground spaces;
Case studies, analytical methods, numerical analyses, and experimental tests related to underground space engineering.

Dr. Rongzhu Liang
Dr. Cungang Lin
Guest Editors

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Keywords

tunneling technology
urban underground space technology
environmental effects
service characteristics of underground structure
soil–structure interaction
intelligent monitoring and warning technology
intelligent construction
major and special underground projects

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 7592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Experimental and Theoretical Investigations of the Mechanical Behavior of Column-Free Quasi-Rectangular Segmental Tunnel Linings

by Zhen Liu, Yizheng Chen, Yuebin Wu and Xian Liu

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2896; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072896 - 29 Mar 2024

Viewed by 380

Abstract

To investigate the mechanical behavior and design methodology of column-free QRST (quasi-rectangular segmental tunnel) structures, a theoretical analysis based on prototype experiments and simulation models is conducted. Initially, a prototype experimental investigation is conducted to reveal the structural behavior at the service stage. Subsequently, the ESHR model (Equivalent Stiffness Homogeneous Ring), the BS model (Beam Spring), and the MBS model (Modified Beam Spring) are used to simulate structural behavior. For design purposes, the design methodology is explored based on the ESHR model, followed by a sensitivity analysis of several key load parameters. Based on the experimental results, weak parts of the column-free QRST structure are found to include several joints (Joint 1, Joint 5, Joint 3, and Joint 8), and corresponding optimization measures are proposed. By comparing the test results, the above-mentioned three models demonstrate their applicability in structural simulation, with the ESHR model having sufficient design accuracy. A model-based deformation mechanism analysis found that joints contribute approximately 2/3 of the structural deformation. For the structural design of the column-free QRST using the ESHR model, amplifying the calculated results of structures directly subjected to the service stage by 10% suffices to meet engineering requirements. Based on the test and study, special attention should be paid to the negative bending moment regions at the waists of the structure during both the design and service stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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23 pages, 35731 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Segmented Calculation Method for Friction Force in Long-Distance Box Jacking Considering the Effect of Lubricant

by Yunlong Zhang, Peng Zhang, Kaixin Liu, Tianshuo Xu, Yong Xu and Jiahao Mei

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 2111; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14052111 - 04 Mar 2024

Viewed by 678

Abstract

In box jacking, injecting lubricant around the box is an essential method to reduce excessive friction forces caused by the interaction between the box and soil. This method introduces complexity to factors controlling the friction forces, such as the pipe-soil contact state, earth pressure, and friction coefficient. In particular, during long-distance construction, different lubricant conditions come into play. These intricate scenarios hinder the accurate estimation and control of friction force throughout the entire construction period. This study analyzed the variation patterns of frictional resistance based on monitoring data from two actual cases. The lubricant condition changes during the long-distance jacking process were categorized, the effect of lubricant actions on factors controlling friction force in each segment was discussed, and a new method for calculating friction forces by partitioning the long-distance box jacking was proposed. This approach aims to enhance the prediction accuracy and was compared with the results obtained from existing models. The rationality of the new model was further validated by combining numerical simulation results with field data. The results indicate that the proposed segmented calculation model demonstrates better prediction accuracy when facing variations in actual construction conditions. It can serve as a reference for the process design and construction control of long-distance box jacking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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16 pages, 7979 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety Control Technology and Monitoring Analysis for Shield-Tunnel-Stacked Underpass High-Speed Rail Bridge Excavation

by Taihua Yang, Xiaoxiang Peng, Xing Huang, Bin Liu, Kejin Li, Jianyong Zhang, Yixiang Li and Tian Wen

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1699; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051699 - 20 Feb 2024

Viewed by 459

Abstract

In order to ensure the safety of the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway during the construction and operation of the shield tunnel on Line R1 of the Jinan Metro, a numerical simulation of geological disturbance during the underpass of the small-radius stacked tunnel was carried out. We analyzed the mechanism of geological deformation and the construction factors affecting settlement and found that bridge settlement far exceeded safety standards without taking safety control measures. In this regard, safety control technologies such as setting isolation pile sleeve valve pipes, controlling shield tunneling parameters, grouting control technology, and trolley support technology have been proposed. Monitoring was conducted on the uneven settlement of the bridge surface, the internal and external stresses of the pipe segments, and the soil pressure they were subjected to. The results showed that the surface settlement of the bridge after safety control measures was controlled within the safety standard range, and the stress and soil pressure changes of the pipe reinforcement were within the allowable range, further verifying the effectiveness of the safety control measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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16 pages, 8708 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quasi-Static Test and Lateral Load-Bearing Capacity of a New Grid Pile Foundation for Long-Span Bridges

by Weiyuan Zhu, Jiaqi Cheng, Yutao Pang, Hongbin An, Junpeng Zou, Jie Ren and Cheng Zhang

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14031209 - 31 Jan 2024

Viewed by 464

Abstract

This study proposes a new form of underground diaphragm wall foundation with hexagonal sections, called the grid pile foundation (GPF), which is used for long-span bridges. To investigate the lateral bearing capacity characteristics of the integrated pile foundation, the quasi-static test as well as numerical simulations were conducted. Firstly, the quasi-static test was conducted to obtain the lateral load–displacement curve, the soil pressure distribution, and the deformation and stress distribution of the pile foundation and the surrounding soil. Then, the finite element model of the proposed GPF foundation was built, which was verified and calibrated based on the test data. Finally, the parametric analysis was performed to investigate the effects of soil friction angle, pile foundation Young’s modulus, and pile length on the lateral bearing capacity characteristics of the proposed GPF. It is concluded that the GPF would transition from the stiffness stage to the plastic strain stage under lateral load, and deformation occurred simultaneously. The stress in the soil around the pile foundation is high in the upper portion and low in the lower portion, and the active and passive failure zones of the soil are formed under the action of the GPF. Both experimental and numerical simulations indicate that the GPF has a good lateral load capacity, and the lateral load capacity is most affected by the length of the piles. The GPF is expected to provide a new solution to the construction of large-span bridges with diaphragm wall foundations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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26 pages, 9978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on the Nonlinear Permeability Mechanism and Pore Structure Characteristics of Deep Confined Aquifers

by Shilong Peng, Zhijun Li, Yuhao Xu and Guangyong Cao

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(20), 11599; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132011599 - 23 Oct 2023

Viewed by 581

Abstract

The study of deep soil mechanics is the basis of deep shaft construction. Exploring the nonlinear permeability mechanism of deep confined aquifers in depth is the prerequisite and foundation for carrying out calculations of the hydrophobic consolidation settlement of thick alluviums and preventing and controlling deep-well-damage disasters. Against the background of shaft damage caused by hydrophobic consolidation settlement of the bottom aquifer of thick alluviums, a joint HPLTC-HPPNP (high-pressure long-term consolidation and high-pore-pressure nonlinear permeability) test was carried out on the bottom aquifer of thick alluviums based on the ETAS test system. This paper studied the evolution law of the permeability coefficient (

k_{v}

) of bottom aquifers under different heads of confined water, confining pressures (

σ_{r}

), permeability hydraulic gradients (i) and loading–unloading methods. The internal pore structure characteristics of clayey sand were obtained by using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology to explore the clayey sand’s nonlinear permeability micro-mechanism. The research results showed that the bottom aquifer seepage volume (

Δ Q_{i}

) under high stress is affected by the head pressure difference and pore water dissipation, and

k_{v}

decreases with an increasing

σ_{r}

according to the power function relationship. The influence of the hydraulic gradient (

i

) on

k_{v}

is significantly influenced by

σ_{r}

. When

σ_{r}

< 4 MPa,

k_{v}

decreased with an increasing

i

, and when

σ_{r}

> 4 MPa,

k_{v}

increased with an increasing

i

first, then decreased, before then tending to be stable. Under different stress states, the T₂ spectrum of clayey sand showed a bispectrum peak type, and the adsorbed water content decreased linearly with an increasing

σ_{r}

, while the capillary water decreased according to the power function. The content of capillary water in the permeable pores plays a key role in the permeability of clayey sand, and it has a power function relationship with

σ_{r}

. The research results of this paper provide a good experimental method for the study of deep soil permeability characteristics and parameter determination, provide a theoretical basis for deep alluvial hydrophobic consolidation and settlement, and further make up for the shortcomings of existing deep soil mechanics in permeability characteristics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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25 pages, 7021 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Optimization of Secondary Lining Construction Time for Shield Tunnels Based on Longitudinal Mechanical Properties

by Shaobo Chai, Yifan Yan, Bo Hu, Hongchao Wang, Jun Hu, Jian Chen, Xiaodong Fu and Yongqiang Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10772; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910772 - 28 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 719

Abstract

In the field of shield tunnels, the occurrence of uneven longitudinal settlement in segment linings has presented persistent challenges, including heightened risks of localized damage and water leakage. While the adoption of a secondary lining has been proposed as a viable solution to these issues, the question of how to select an appropriate construction time for the secondary lining, one that enables it to fully harness its load-bearing capacity while optimizing the tunnel’s overall stress and deformation characteristics, continues to be a pressing concern. To address this issue, this study established a three-dimensional longitudinal refined numerical model of double-layer-lined shield tunnel. In addition, the deformation degree of the segment lining was used as a time indicator to define the construction time for the secondary lining. Subsequently, an analysis of the impact of the construction time of the secondary lining on the longitudinal mechanical properties of the double-layer-lined shield tunnel is conducted through an assessment of tunnel longitudinal deformation and structural stress. The research findings indicated that the construction of the secondary lining improved the longitudinal deformation resistance of shield tunnels. Simultaneously, it led to a significant increase in the longitudinal shear forces within the segment lining and a notable reduction in longitudinal bending moments. Moreover, the construction time of the secondary lining played a pivotal role in these alterations. Considering the longitudinal force situations and load-bearing characteristics of the double-layer lining structure, it was determined that the optimal construction time for the secondary lining fell within the range of 20% to 40% of the total construction duration. In this scenario, the deformation and internal forces within the segment lining remained within permissible limits. Additionally, both the segment lining and the secondary lining were able to fully utilize their load-bearing capacities, ensuring the economic and safety aspects of the tunnel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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20 pages, 5647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Simulation Study on Frost Heave during the Freezing Phase of Shallow-Buried and Undercut Tunnel Using the Freeze-Sealing Pipe Roof Method

by Yin Duan, Chuanxin Rong and Wei Long

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10344; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810344 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 548

Abstract

This article begins with the engineering geological conditions and freezing design scheme of the Gongbei Tunnel’s underground excavation section, then applies the mathematical model theory of the horizontal freezing-tunnel-formation freezing temperature field and frost heave displacement field, and builds a coupled two-dimensional finite element calculation model. The development law of the frozen soil curtain and the variation law of frost heave displacement during the freezing phase were studied by comparing on-site observation data. According to the findings of this study, the construction of the artificial frozen curtain is mostly based on two types of freezing tubes that freeze the soil between jacked pipes and seal the water. At 90 days, the thickness of the frozen soil curtain ranges from 2.32 m to 2.58 m, guaranteeing that its strength fulfills water-sealing safety criteria. The distribution and variation of frost heave displacement are highly related to engineering geological circumstances, the freezing scheme, the frozen soil curtain development process, and the pipe curtain structure. The maximum vertical frost heave displacement value at any time is located at the centerline, which is 155.67 mm at 90 d. The numerical simulation findings are acceptable and can potentially be utilized for predicting frost heave in subsequent projects. More research is required to effectively represent complicated working conditions and to develop more exact large-scale numerical models for tunnel excavation, support structure building, and other situations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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19 pages, 16935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal and Spatial Evolution Laws of Freezing Temperature Field in the Inclined Shaft of Water-Rich Sand Layers

by Jie Zhang, Bin Wang, Chuanxin Rong, Wei Long and Shengmin Yu

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(15), 8874; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13158874 - 01 Aug 2023

Viewed by 689

Abstract

This study investigated the distribution and evolution characteristics of the temperature field during the freezing and excavation of inclined shafts, with the freezing open-excavation section of Shengfu Mine’s main inclined shaft (located in Shaanxi Province) as the project background. Utilizing field-measured data and the finite element software COMSOL Multiphysics, a 3D freezing temperature-field numerical calculation model was constructed to examine the temporal and spatial evolutions of the temperature field during the construction of the inclined shaft. The findings showed that after 88 days of freezing, the average temperature of the frozen wall in the open-excavation section was below −12 °C. The frozen wall thickness in the sidewalls of different layers exceeded 4 m, and the thickness at the bottom plate exceeded 5 m, meeting the excavation design requirements. For the same freezing time, the average temperature of the frozen wall in the fine sand layer was 0.28 to 2.39 °C lower than that of the frozen wall in the medium sand layer, and its effective thickness was 0.36 to 0.59 m greater than that in the medium sand layer. When the soil was excavated, and the well side was exposed, a phenomenon known as “heat flow erosion” occurred in the soil at the well-side position, causing the well-side temperature to rise. Nevertheless, this increase was generally limited, and when continuous cooling was applied, the well side could maintain a very low negative temperature level. Consequently, there was no spalling phenomenon. The effective thickness of the frozen wall during excavation did not decrease, with the average temperature remaining below −10 °C. Consequently, there was no large-scale “softening” of the frozen wall during excavation, thus ensuring construction safety. The numerical calculation model in this paper can be used to predict the development law of the freezing temperature field of the water–rich sandy layers in Shengfu Mine and adjust the on–site cooling plan in real time according to the construction progress. This research provides valuable theoretical insights for the optimal design and safe construction of freezing inclined-shaft sinking projects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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21 pages, 14936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism Analysis of Surrounding Rock Mass Failure Induced by the Multi-Cavern Effect in a Large-Scale Underground Powerhouse

by Meng Wang, An-Chi Shi, Hai-Bo Li, Hong-Chuan Yan, Gang Fan and Jia-Wen Zhou

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 4376; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13074376 - 30 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1206

Abstract

The underground powerhouse of a hydropower station, in the form of a cavern group, is generally characterized by a large scale and complicated spatial structure. During the construction phase, extensive excavation in limited underground space may cause a multi-cavern effect between adjacent caverns and thus lead to deformation and failure of the surrounding rock mass, which undoubtedly compromises cavern stability and construction safety. This paper takes the drainage gallery LPL5-1 in the Baihetan underground powerhouse (adjacent to the main powerhouse) as a case study. During the excavation of the main powerhouse, the shotcrete at the upstream arch of LPL5-1 cracked, ballooned and peeled off. After field investigation and numerical simulations, the stress evolution induced by excavation is studied and the failure mechanism is analyzed. The results indicate that the multi-cavern effect led to the surrounding rock mass failures in LPL5-1, which is related to the continuous excavation of the main powerhouse and the resultant extensive stress adjustment. During the main powerhouse excavation, a stress concentration zone was generated at the upstream arch and was intensified with the excavation progressed. The expanded stress concentration zone affected LPL5-1 and made its surrounding rock mass split, thus causing the shotcrete cracking. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Tunneling and Underground Space Technology)

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